The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has confirmed that the 2025-26 season of the I-League 3 will commence on April 27, 2026, marking the start of the fourth tier of the Indian men’s football league system. The announcement, made on April 17, 2026, outlines a structured format featuring four groups hosted across different venues in India, with promotion stakes at the end of the campaign.
The league will feature 20 teams divided into four groups of five, each playing a single round-robin format within their respective zones. Group A and Group B matches will be held in Imphal at the Khuman Lampak Stadium and the SAI Turf Ground, respectively. Group C fixtures will take place at the Mulna Football Stadium in Balaghat, although Group D matches are scheduled for the Padukone-Dravid Centre for Sports Excellence in Bengaluru.
On the opening day, Group A will witness FC Raengdai face ARA FC, while Mawlai Sport Club takes on Sikkim Brotherhood FC at the Khuman Lampak Stadium in Imphal. In Group C, BLG – The Diamond Rock FC will play KLASA FC, followed by Kuppuraj FC versus Chhaygaon FC at the Mulna Football Stadium in Balaghat. Group D action kicks off the same day at the CSE Football Arena in Bengaluru, with FC Agniputhra taking on Techtro Swades United FC, and Royal Rangers Football Club meeting FC Banaras Baghpat.
Group B matches are set to begin on April 28, with TRAU FC taking on Mumbay Football Club, and Samaleshwari SC facing Zinc Football Academy later in the afternoon at the SAI Turf Ground in Imphal. The AIFF confirmed that at the end of the group stage, the top team from each group, along with the two best second-placed teams, will advance to the Final Round.
The Final Round will be conducted in a centralized single round-robin format, with the top two teams earning promotion to I-League 2 for the 2026-27 season. This structure aims to provide a clear pathway for clubs progressing through the Indian football pyramid while maintaining competitive integrity across regional zones.
The Padukone-Dravid Centre for Sports Excellence in Bengaluru, which hosts Group D matches, is a recognized multi-sport facility that has previously hosted national-level competitions. Its inclusion as a venue underscores the AIFF’s effort to utilize established infrastructure across different regions for the league’s operational needs.
With the I-League 3 serving as the fourth division, it sits below the I-League 2 and the Indian Super League in the national league system. The competition provides a platform for emerging clubs and regional teams to gain exposure and compete for advancement, contributing to the broader development of football talent in India.
The AIFF emphasized that the schedule is subject to standard operational considerations, and any updates will be communicated through official channels. Fans and stakeholders are encouraged to refer to the federation’s verified platforms for the most accurate and timely information regarding match timings, venue details, and procedural updates.
As the countdown to April 27 begins, the focus shifts to team preparations and regional readiness across the four host cities. The opening fixtures will set the tone for a campaign defined by localized competition and the pursuit of promotion to the next tier.
The next confirmed checkpoint is the commencement of the I-League 3 2025-26 season on April 27, 2026, with the opening matches as outlined by the AIFF.
What are your thoughts on the new I-League 3 season format? Share your views in the comments below and stay tuned for updates as the tournament unfolds.
